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The News In Brief

Beauty

Ulta Beauty Partners with Instacart

The retailer’s 1400-plus doors across the US will now offer same-day delivery through the Q-commerce app.


Financial Markets

True Religion Acquired by Private Equity Firm Acon Investments

The deal, which included participation from American Eagle’s chief executive, will help the denim maker expand globally.


Retail

Shein Representative Declines to Answer China Cotton Question in UK Hearing

The ultra-fast-fashion retailer has previously said it requires contract manufacturers to only source cotton from approved regions, and that it has a zero-tolerance policy for forced labour.


Retail

Luxury Tights Brand Wolford Faces Backlash Over Order and Refund Delays

Wolford has apologised for delivery and refund delays that have sparked customer outrage, admitting that its overstretched logistics system has caused widespread frustration, with many shoppers reporting month-long waits and poor service.


Retail

Holiday Online Sales Hit a Record $241 Billion in US, Adobe Says

US e-commerce spending hit a record $241 billion over the 2024 holiday season, driven by deep discounts and strong demand for electronics, apparel, and home goods.


Luxury

Christian Lacroix Is Acquired by Sociedad Texil Lonia

The couturier Christian Lacroix, who now designs costumes for ballet and opera productions, will not be formally involved with the brand in an official capacity.


Retail

Next to Increase Prices to Help Pay for Budget Tax Changes

The fashion retailer said it expected UK growth to slow as a result, but a trend for shoppers to buy fewer, more expensive items would help offset higher costs.


Luxury

Rolex, Patek Used Watch Prices Fell to Three-Year Low in 2024

The Bloomberg Subdial Watch Index, which tracks prices for the 50 most traded models by transaction value, declined nearly 6 percent last year to its lowest since 2021.


Beauty

Ulta Beauty Names Insider Steelman as CEO, Flags Strong Holiday Sales

Cosmetics retailer Ulta Beauty said on Monday insider Kecia Steelman will replace retiring CEO Dave Kimbell in the top role, and forecast a strong fourth quarter, sending its shares up about 2 percent in extended trading.


Luxury

British Fashion Council Names Laura Weir Next CEO

The Selfridges creative director will take over from Caroline Rush in April.


Technology

AI-Influenced Shopping Boosts Online Holiday Sales, Salesforce Data Shows

AI-powered chatbots helped boost US online holiday sales by nearly 4 percent year-over-year, reaching $282 billion, as retailers leveraged conversational tools and social media to engage shoppers.


Retail

L Catterton Takes Majority Stake in Kapital

The Japanese label with a cult menswear following entered into a partnership with the LVMH-backed private equity firm.